Saab 9-3 ePower utilizes 135 kW UQM PowerPhase electric motor

With a projected range of 125 miles and a 0-60 mile per hour acceleration time of less than 8.5 seconds, Saab's first-ever electric vehicle, the 9-3 ePower, brings the automaker into the battery-powered mix with authority. Based on the 9-3 Sport Combi wagon, the Saab 9-3 ePower's cargo-hauling abilities offer versatility that's typically absent in the battery-powered segment.

Part of the ePower's impressive performance can be attributed to its use of Boston-Power's robust Swing 4400 lithium-ion battery cells, but the use of UQM Technologies' 135-kW PowerPhase electric motor reinforces Saab's projected performance specs. The 135-kW (181 horsepower) unit is based on the lesser 100 kW PowerPhase motor, which spins the wheels of the Coda Sedan. With more grunt flowing from its electric motor, we'd expect the 9-3 ePower to crank out some stellar (for a battery-powered vehicle) performance numbers and, according to Saab's testing, it has.

Two-year trials of 70 9-3 ePowers will begin in Sweden late this year. Saab intends to turn the knowledge it gains from on-road testing and evaluation into a high-performance, production electric vehicle.

* Saab 9-3 ePower test fleet of 70 vehicles will be powered by UQM Technologies electric motors and controllers
* Deliveries of PowerPhase 135kW systems to Saab began in Q3 of CY 2010
* These electric propulsion systems for the Saab 9-3 ePower vehicles were previously announced by UQM as an order from an international OEM
* UQM has in place validated production lines for its PowerPhase 100 and 135kW systems with annual capacity of 40,000 systems

LONGMONT, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UQM Technologies, Inc. (NYSE Amex: UQM), a developer of alternative-energy technologies, has been selected by Saab to power its all-electric Saab 9-3 ePower development test fleet. Initial deliveries began in the third calendar quarter of 2010 and will continue through CY 2011.

"We are looking forward to working with Saab through its automotive testing and qualification program with our PowerPhase electric propulsion system"

"This order from Saab reinforces our ability to meet the performance, quality and cost needs of international automobile companies developing electric and hybrid vehicles," said Eric Ridenour, President and CEO of UQM Technologies. "The PowerPhase 135kW systems for Saab are being built on our validated production lines with annual capacity of 40,000 systems. These production lines are among the many steps we have taken to fully prepare UQM to grow from test-fleet programs to production fulfillment."

The UQM PowerPhase 135 kW electric propulsion systems will power the 70 Saab 9-3 ePower test fleet vehicles. The 9-3 ePower program is the first step towards developing a potential Saab production vehicle. The PowerPhase 135kW features a power-dense 135 kW/181 hp electric motor and advanced control system. Saab will use our propulsion system with a single-speed transmission, and the company has published performance estimates of 100 km/hr (62 mph) acceleration in just 8.5 seconds together with a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph). Saab will begin field trials of the test fleet in Sweden early this year.

"We are looking forward to working with Saab through its automotive testing and qualification program with our PowerPhase electric propulsion system," said Ridenour. "Our history of technological innovation in developing electric propulsion systems combined with extensive production engineering capabilities gives us a unique advantage in meeting the development and production needs of vehicle manufacturers."

About Saab

Saab, or Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Aircraft Company), was founded in 1937 as an aircraft manufacturer and revealed its first prototype passenger car 10 years later after the formation of the Saab Car Division. In 1990, Saab Automobile AB was created as a separate company, jointly owned by the Saab Scania Group and General Motors, and became a wholly owned GM subsidiary in 2000. In February 2010, Spyker Cars N.V. of the Netherlands, acquired the company from GM as an independently-run business.

Saab cars reflect the brand's unique Scandinavian design ethic, which is fused with its aircraft engineering heritage. The company is a global premium car maker with a distinguished history of innovation. It is recognized for its pioneering role in turbocharging, as well as occupant safety and the introduction of flex-fuel technology through Saab BioPower. Saab Automobile AB currently employs approximately 3,800 staff in Sweden, where it operates world-class production and technical development facilities at its headquarters in Trollhättan, 70 km north of Gothenburg.

Please visit www.saab.com for more information.

About UQM Technologies

UQM Technologies is a developer and manufacturer of power-dense, high-efficiency electric motors, generators and power electronic controllers for the automotive, aerospace, military and industrial markets. A major emphasis for UQM is developing products for the alternative-energy technologies sector, including propulsion systems for electric, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell electric vehicles, under-the-hood power accessories and other vehicle auxiliaries. UQM headquarters, engineering, product development center and manufacturing operation are located in Longmont, Colorado.

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Anonymous

7 Months Ago

"stellar" as in "way less than Tesla Roadster or Model S.

Engine performance is not a problem in electric cars. I bet you could make Leaf do spins around most ICE cars if they had just *chosen* a bit more powerful power setup. Engine is not the expensive part of the drivetrain.